AGIA is the not-for-profit national African-American theatre advocacy organization formed in 1998 by Wilson and Dartmouth College professors Victor Walker and William Cook to help strengthen African-American theatre companies around the country. By hosting regional and local seminars throughout the U.S., AGIA's intent is to assist black theater artists identify and find solutions to artistic and financial hurdles that perennially face.

Jitney, the first play written by Wilson, a two-time Pulitzer-Prize winning playwright, is receiving its New York premiere this spring, in a production directed by Marion McClinton. The performance will take place on Saturday, April 8 at the Second Stage Theatre (681 8th Avenue at 43rd Street). The 8 p.m. show will be followed by a reception with the cast, Wilson, McClinton and members of AGIA's Board of Governors at the theatre.

Tickets to the event and reception are $300 and $500 and can be reserved by calling 973-412-1907. All proceeds from the evening will benefit AGIA and its programs.